The summer season is a time to smile at the sun and go outside to play. Finally you don’t have to dress in excess and can peel off the layers as you head for the pool. Shopping is also fun right now as store shelves are lined with clothes, accessories and party paraphernalia to inspire anyone into having a good time. The cool colors of crisp white, marine blues and bright reds will be hot for months so invest in a couple key pieces that you’ll wear from sunrise to sunset. Plan for a jam-packed three months of outdoor fun and find the accessories to keep you feeling beautiful the whole season. Dig through your closet to find scarves to pull your hair back on a speedboat, slip on sandals you can easily remove to dip your foot in a fountain and pack along a cozy terry-cloth sweater you can layer over your swimsuit when the sun goes down. The backyard barbecues, bike rides and surge to the surf is a sure sign summer is here and the fun in the sun has just begun. Here a couple things to pick up before the party starts so you’re not left out in the cold.
Make cooler friends.

People are always happy to see you when you come with a cooler. Whether you are lounging on a boat or headed to a ball game you can always entertain with a stylish cooler and a few key ingredients. A watermelon, chilled beverages and cheese slices are a good start to host some friends in the great outdoors. For boating you can’t go wrong with grilled prawns on a bamboo skewer or chilled grape and pineapple kabobs. Not only are they delicious but also low fat and no fuss when it’s time to clean up. This red and white cooler made by Zero Degrees comes in various two-toned colors and is waterproof on the inside while soft and flexible on the outside, available at Ross Department Stores for under ten dollars.

Refuse to sign autographs

When you pick a great hat for the summer it must be wind resistant, crushable and offer excellent sun protection, which is why we chose the Wallaroo Hat, which looks great on everyone. The full lines of women’s, men’s and children’s hats were designed in Australia to give you serious sun protection while making a fashion statement. They’re easy enough to pack along on a cross county journey and casual enough to throw on in town. A wide-rimmed hat helps whether soaking up the rays or avoiding the paparazzi. The pictured Sydney Bucket Hat in Hydrangea by Wallarro, $36.The hats are available at
www.wallaroohats.com .

Get sun kissed this summer

Kiehl’s Lip Balm comes in several muted hues and contains a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 so your pucker is safe from the sun. The formula imparts a slight hint of color and contains soothing ingredients and moisturizing oils to provide relief. The Vital Sun Protection Line from Kiehl’s offers SPF protection in 45, 30, and 15, which also comes in a convenient spray. Anyone who has chased a toddler around to protect its backside knows the spray SPF cuts down on the controversy. The all sport year round face and body lotions and sprays are lightweight, non-greasy and contain Vitamin E, Soybean oil, and Aloe. But before you put on your teeny weenie suit you may want to cover yourself in Kiehl’s sun-free self-tanning formula for face and body. The formula glides on easily for long lasting, natural-looking color which you can usually see in a little over an hour. Unlike other brands it is not streaky and won’t stain your hands so you’ll still be able to wave at the jet skis going by. This gender neutral and fragrance free product is available at their NW 23rd store in Portland or on-line at www.Kiehls.com .

Slip into something more comfortable

To increase the number of opportunities you have to dip your feet in the pool this summer invest in a comfortable pair of flip-flops. Slim and lightweight they are easy to throw in your beach bag (or briefcase) once you feel the sand between your toes or after a long day at the office. You can dress them up or down and they are affordable and fashionable for both him and her alike. The trend this season is embellishment so for women it will be easy to find sandals with rhinestones, beading, and silk flowers.

Widely available you will find them at almost every boutique, mall and drugstore from April to September. From left to right these great examples were picked up at Lily Atelier, Old Navy and Poppi Swim.

Light up your life

The citronella candle is a must-have to keep uninvited guests at bay. In a beach pail these candles fit right in with an oceanside landscape and come with a handle so you won’t feel bad asking friends to help carry the load to the bonfire. The inexpensive candles work just as well at deterring bugs as the pricey ones so you can afford to pick up more than one. In various sizes they are available at Big Lots, the Dollartree and Fred Meyers. This bright blue one came from Michaels craft store and comes in other colors for under ten dollars.

Enjoy the summer with your friends by your side. Even intimate gatherings and small gestures can reinvigorate a bond with your buddies to last through the holidays. Invest some time in party planning and key purchases to make the most of the months remaining. Enjoy!

Nicolle Camarata is a reporter from Portland, Oregon where she can be regularly seen on KPTV’s MORE and heard on 1190 KEX.

Check out her website at
www.Nicolleshopsportland.com.